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James Cullen Obituary
Jim was proud to be the oldest of eleven children in a close-knit, fun-loving family.
Jim graduated from Cathedral Prep in Erie in 1965, John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1969, and the University of Pittsburgh Law School in 1972. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1969-1977 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.
After law school, Jim joined the law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones and Britton in Erie, Pa. He was the firm's managing partner from 1988 through 1997, and continued to practice law until his death. He served on the boards of many Erie area charities, including The Erie Community Foundation, Harborcreek Youth Services, Friends of L'Arche, Hamot Foundation, and the Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria Academy Boards.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his sister, Rebecca Marie Cullen, in 1977.
He is survived by his best friend, love, co-conspirator, and wife, Rose J. Cullen "Rosie", and four children from his marriage to Eileen D. Cullen: Karen S. Cullen and her husband John B. Hines, Julie M. Cullen and her husband William L. Brosius, James W. Cullen II and his wife Julie, and Michael B. Cullen. He is also survived by his three beloved, adored, and long-awaited grandchildren: Quinlan T. Cullen, James D. Cullen II, and Georgia J. Cullen.
Jim is also survived by his mother, Eileen V. Cullen, and his siblings: Kathleen M. Meola, Robert D. Cullen, Nancy M. Cullen, Doreen T. Rosenbaum and her husband William, David M. Cullen, Joseph T. Cullen and his wife Connie, Daniel T. Cullen and his wife Annette, Brian P. Cullen and his wife Ellie, and Carol A. Hutzel and her husband, David C. Hutzel, M.D.
Also surviving are two of Jim's very favorite aunts: Rita Marie Cullen LaVoie and Jean Cullen, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was loved as fiercely as he loved and was devoted to as deeply as he was devoted. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the many whose lives he touched. His personal code and personification of honesty, loyalty, and honor is a legacy his children and grandchildren will protect and cherish.
The family wishes to extend a very special "thank you" to Denny Seth from Great Lakes Hospice, whose compassion, kind humor, and constant care made Jim's last days comfortable and peaceful.
Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Road, on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude the Apostle Church on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Private burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Mother Teresa Academy, 160 West 11th Street, Erie, PA 16501, or to The Cathedral Prep / Villa Maria Academy Scholarship Fund at John Carroll University, Attn: Development Office, 20700 North Park Blvd., University Heights, OH 44118-4581.
Please visit www.SchmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to sign the Book of Memories.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Cullen
Sponsored by Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home - Erie.
October 31, 2018
To the Cullen Family,
Jim was great classmate at Pitt '72 and I will always remember his great sense of humor and his unselfish efforts to help us all get through law school. We'll miss him.
Tom Jargiello
Weston, FL
Joanne Druzak
October 20, 2018
Rosie and family:
Just found out about Jim's passing and will miss him. During my 16 years at MIJB, working around the corner from Jim, I'll never forget that serious look he could give, but then that laugh of his! He was a fierce teddy bear. Let's not forget he made the best Cosmopolitans. So glad he had you as his great love for all those years. Jim worked hard and played hard and the two of you lived life to the fullest. You were his perfect foil. Do not weep for him; the greenest golf courses are in Heaven. My deep condolences for your personal loss, my friend.
October 15, 2018
To Rosie and the Cullen family:
The world has lost a good man, a friend to many, and an asset to the community. Over the years, I treasured my friendship with Jim and the counsel that he provided both on a personal and professional basis.
Peace be with all of you and remember that Jim was a special person that touched so many!
Gary E. Garnavish and family
Marlene Brugger
October 10, 2018
Dear Rose and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Jims passing, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Marlene Brugger
Marlene Brugger
October 10, 2018
Dear Rose and family, I was so sorry to hear of Jims passing.Thoughts and prayers are with you at this trying time!
Sincerely Marlene Brugger
October 7, 2018
Karen, Julie, Jimmy, and Michael,
So sad to hear of your loss. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of your dad and all of you. I'm certain my dad was waiting at the gates. My best to all of you!
Love,
Kara Bruning (Grande)
Joe Villella
October 7, 2018
Brian and all of Jim's family, my deepest condolences on your loss. I truly believe you will be reunited some day.
Meg Britton
October 6, 2018
Rosie, Carol, Dave, and all your family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. So sorry for your loss, but glad that Jim is at peace in the arms of our Lord. The funeral was beautiful, a wonderful tribute to Jim.
May God be with you and give you the strength to continue on. Hold tight to all the special memories you have made together.
Our sympathies,
Meg and John Britton and family
October 6, 2018
We offer our condolences. We pray in your behalf, and we offer the hope of welcoming back our loved ones on a Paradise earth. Psm 37:29
October 6, 2018
To the Cullen Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Your family is a part of my childhood memories and the times the neighbors spent together. I would see Jim from time to time since I work in the same building. He always had a big smile and asked about my parents. I'm so sorry for your loss. May your memories provide comfort.
All my best,
Michelle (Gibson) McQuaid
Joanne Chiota-Howey
October 6, 2018
My deepest sympathy to all of you on Jim's passing. I was Jim's secretary at MIJ&B in the 80s and remember his children in the office after school. My condolences on the loss of your father. And to Bob, Dave, Joe and Brianmy sympathy on the loss of your brother. He was a great man and a good leader. May your happy memories of your father and brother comfort you during this difficult time. God Bless You all.
Deborah Esayian
October 6, 2018
Our condolences and sympathy - The Esayian Family
Cruz roger
October 5, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to
Jim's family
Bill and Susan Duerre
October 5, 2018
To Jim, Julie, Quinlan, JD, Georgia, and the entire Cullen family,
We are thinking of you as you grieve the passing of your father, Jim. We send our deepest sympathy to you, with prayers for the soul of your father as he begins life eternal in the loving arms of our Lord.
Liz Makarowski-Hokaj
October 5, 2018
Jimmy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and sympathies are with you all. Your dad was a great man. He raised wonderful and thoughtful children.
October 5, 2018
My sympathies to the Cullen family. Jim was a great classmate and friend. I also enjoyed working with him from time to time with mutual clients. He will be missed.
Lou Ensani
Prep 65
October 5, 2018
Doreen, so very sorry for the loss of your brother. Know he is in my prayers, as is your family. God Bless, Darleen Miller Wilkinson (VMA)
Jan Henry
October 4, 2018
Dear Cullen Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Kristin Grande
October 4, 2018
Mr. C was a big part of my childhood and I cherish those memories. So sad to see that he passed. My love to Karen, Julie, Jimmy and Michael. Your dad had a great laugh that filled the room. Please know that he was loved and will be missed. God Bless.
James W & Cheryl G Martin
October 4, 2018
Jim was a good person. We liked Jim. He always greeted and treated us with respect and warmth. We will miss Jim. We will never forget him. God bless Jim and his terrific family.
Norm Slemenda
October 4, 2018
Eileen,Karen,Julie,Jimmy and Michael,
Words cannot express my saddness on Jims passing. He was one of the finest men I ever knew.
My memories of Jim and our gang at JCU are my fondest. I know you will miss him greatly. Much love and deepest sympathy.
Norm"the bohemian" Slemenda
Laura Mills
October 4, 2018
My condolences to Rose and Mr. Cullen's family. I enjoyed working at MIJ&B many years ago. He was always such a gentleman and very kind to me. I still remember his favorite vodka :)
Robbe Robinson
October 4, 2018
Karen, Julie, Jimmy, and Michael...so saddened to hear about your dad. I remember him fondly...such a sweet and fun man. My deepest condolences to all of you and your family.
Tom & Mary Murosky
October 4, 2018
Dear Cullen Family,
We send our deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your Dad. May the special memories you have of him help you through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts & prayers!
Sincerely,
Mike Dunlavey
October 4, 2018
Rosie and family,
I am so saddened by your loss. I was privileged to know Jim professionally as well as socially. We've again lost one of thegood guys.
John Dreischal
October 4, 2018
Mr. Cullen was a great guy. I first met him as a caddie for the Kahkwa Club, but over the years, I was able to get to know Jimmy on a more personal level, and for that I am thankful. My condolences to Annette, Dan, Eve and the rest of Jimmy's family. RIP.
October 4, 2018
My deepest sympathies to Rose and Mr. Cullen's family. I worked at MIJB from 2000-2004 and worked with him a lot. What a fun, sweet man! RIP
Scott Nick
October 4, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to Jimmy and family.
October 4, 2018
My thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Doug Fugate
October 4, 2018
Our deepest sympathies to all of you on the loss of Jim. You all are in our thoughts.
Sincerely, Tony and Cheryl Pepicello
John Evans
October 4, 2018
I knew Jim both personally and professionally over our many years in Erie and enjoyed all my interactions with him. He was a talented attorney and I never hesitated to recommend him to clients of mine who could benefit from his expertise. And, whether playing golf at Kahkwa or just meeting for a drink, he was always fun and lighthearted in his demeanor. He will be missed by many.
My sympathies to his family on their loss.
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
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Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home - Erie5000 Wattsburg Road, Erie, PA 16504
Oct
5
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Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home - Erie5000 Wattsburg Road, Erie, PA 16504
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